1911 $2 1/2

Description

Superb PR 67 Four-Piece Matte Proof Gold Set

1911 Four-Piece Gold Proof Set PR 67. A fabulous proof set that contains matte proof examples of the quarter eagle, half eagle, eagle, and double eagle from 1911. Each of these pieces has been graded PR 67, the quarter eagle and half eagle by PCGS and the eagle and double eagle by NGC. Each coin was originally sold in our 1994 ANA Sale as a part of the Beverly Hills Collection of Proof U.S. Gold, appearing as lots 7387, 7496, 7608, and 7722 respectively. The appearance in a public auction of such a high quality year set is unparalleled in our experience.
Proof gold from 1911 broke with the two-year experiment of the "Roman Gold" variant used in 1909 and 1910, and the matte finish was reinstituted this year as it had been originally in 1908. All the mintages were minute for these proof coins, ranging from a low of 95 pieces for the ten-dollar to 191 coins for the quarter eagle. At the consignor's request the four pieces will be sold as a set.

1908 Quarter Eagle PR 67 PCGS. Like the mintage of the 1910, the mintage of 191 proofs for the 1911 quarter eagle seems extraordinarily high for an issue where perhaps no more than 60-75 pieces may still be extant. The matte or sandblast surface differs somewhat in texture and color from those of 1908 with more sparkle on the 1911 and also more of a distinctive yellow-orange color.
This piece is undoubtedly one of the finest, if notthefinest, single specimen of matte proof coinage we have ever seen from this denomination. The surfaces are perfect as far as we can tell--there are no "shiny spots" (a.k.a. luster breaks), contact marks, or other post-striking impairments. The sparkle of the matte surfaces is interrupted only by a couple of darker spots of color (probably tiny alloy spots) that have no effect on the grade or desirability of the coin. They do, however, provide minute markers that can be used if one wished to trace the pedigree of this important coin. The most noticeable spot is a tiny one between the sixth star and the base of the L in LIBERTY. Another can barely be seen below the collar of the Native American's tunic. (Color Photo)

1911 Half Eagle PR 67 PCGS. The mintage for proof half eagles was 139 pieces, and once again, the number of available specimens is far less than one might believe. It has been reported that perhaps only two dozen proofs still exist, but we believe the number to be closer to 40-45 pieces.
Of the few remaining proofs from this year, this is one of the finest pieces known. Only 3 coins have been so graded as of 12/95 (all by PCGS). This is a truly remarkable specimen. The closest examination with strong magnification has failed to reveal even the smallest imperfection--no contact marks, shiny spots, or blemishes of any kind. The coin is "as struck"--a perfect, flawless proof at the pinnacle of perfection. In the recesses there is a faint bit of rose patina while the raised portions of the design display a light olive tone. An outstanding half eagle and a rare opportunity to acquire a perfect matte proof.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 289K, PCGS# 7960, GSID# 8622)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 4.18 grams
AGW: 0.12095oz
Mintage: 191

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

View Certification Details from PCGS